Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the decision at the NATO summit on Wednesday, emphasising the Government’s Plan for Change and commitment to protecting the UK and its Allies. “In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my government is investing in our national security,” he said.
The order will support over 20,000 UK jobs, with around 100 British-based suppliers contributing to the global F-35 programme. The UK’s defence industry, including firms such as BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, MBDA, and Leonardo UK, plays a vital role in the production of the stealth jets.
The new aircraft will be stationed at RAF Marham and are part of the broader commitment to eventually procure up to 138 F-35s. Choosing the F-35A variant over the F-35B will provide a cost saving of up to 25% per aircraft for UK taxpayers.
This procurement will reintroduce an air-delivered nuclear capability to the Royal Air Force for the first time since the Cold War. It complements the UK’s existing sea-based deterrent, reinforcing a dual-track approach to strategic defence.
By joining the DCA mission, the UK will enhance NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture through the deployment of dual-capable jets capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional weapons. “Supporting 100 businesses across the country and more than 20,000 jobs, these F35 dual capable aircraft will herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force,” said Prime Minister Starmer.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the announcement, stating: “The UK has declared its nuclear deterrent to NATO for many decades, and I strongly welcome today’s announcement that the UK will now also join NATO’s nuclear mission and procure the F-35A.” He added, “This is yet another robust British contribution to NATO.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP highlighted the security context and the role of deterrence: “The Strategic Defence Review confirmed we face new nuclear risks, with other states increasing, modernising and diversifying their nuclear arsenals.” He continued, “This commitment is an embodiment of NATO first, strengthening the alliance while at the same time using defence as an engine for growth to create jobs across the UK.”
The UK has long supported NATO’s nuclear deterrence through conventional assets and training, but this move marks a direct operational role in NATO’s nuclear mission. It aligns with the UK’s continued commitment to collective defence under NATO’s Article V and its ‘triple-lock’ on nuclear deterrence.
This includes the construction of four nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, the continuous at-sea deterrent, and ongoing upgrades to sovereign capabilities. The UK maintains its full commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the long-term goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
The F-35A decision follows commitments in the Strategic Defence Review, including £15 billion in funding for the UK’s sovereign nuclear warhead programme and the future construction of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Together, these initiatives reflect a comprehensive and modernised approach to UK defence and NATO cooperation.
